Show us your books, striking union tells Gautrain operator

Striking Gautrain workers have challenged their employer, the Bombela Operating Company (BOC), to disclose its finances amid the ongoing wage impasse.

The United National Transport Union (Untu), which is leading the strike, says it will not back down from its original demands, until the BOC reveal its financial statements.

“The employees say they want a share in profits. Managers are sharing profits. That is one of the crucial issues that has created the situation we find ourselves in,” Untu general secretary Steve Harris said on POWER Update.

Gautrain staff are calling for a 10% increase, a R1600 housing allowance and a night travel allowance of R64.

The employer is offering 8.5% increase in all salaries and benefits.

Harris has slammed BOC accusing them of being arrogant and negotiating in bad faith.

“This is totally something new to us that you find yourself in negotiations where the employer refuse to reveal its financial status. What are they hiding? This is what the employees are asking,” adds Harris.

The train operator was, over the weekend, forced to implement a contingency plan to ensure its commuters were not left stranded during the strike.